Don’t let Halloween contact lenses terror-eyes you

WITH Halloween now one of the biggest holidays of the year, Specsavers is urging those getting into character to take extra care when choosing frightfully fun eye accessories and makeup.

No matter how you’re choosing to celebrate on 31 October, the high street optician is advising fancy dress revellers to treat their eyes with care and avoid buying products from a non-eyewear professional.

Experts from Specsavers claim cheap cosmetic contact lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, cut off vital oxygen, and even introduce dangerous bacteria – all of which can lead to infection and, in serious cases, blindness.

Despite helping to add a final touch to your costume, coloured contact lenses can cause long-term damage to eyes.

Regional Chair for Central London, Rishi Ganatra, optometrist director at Specsavers Swiss Cottage, says: ‘The worry with using cheap coloured contact lenses is that they can be poorly manufactured and ill-fitting.

‘Contact lenses sit directly on the delicate surface of the eye, and any irregularities in the lens material or curvature can cause corneal abrasions – essentially scratches to the front of the eye.

‘I cannot stress enough that people should never purchase contact lenses from unregulated online sellers, market stalls, or fancy-dress shops.

‘These lenses are often manufactured without proper quality controls and sold without any regard for the wearer’s eye health or safety.
‘Contact lenses are medical devices, not fashion accessories, and should always be fitted by a qualified professional.’

Rishi Ganatra has also provided some tips for safe coloured contact lens wearing, when provided and fitted by an expert.
DO:
Take them out immediately if they feel uncomfortable at any point.
Make sure you understand how to clean and handle the lenses, as well as other recommended instructions.
Look out for ‘CE’ marking on packaging. This indicates the lenses conform to health, safety and environmental protection standards.
Visit an optician if you’re worried at any time.

DON’T:
Share your lenses with other people, as this can cause infections.
Wear them for extended periods of time.
Wear them over your normal contact lenses.
Wear a torn or damaged lens.

Rishi Ganatra continues: ‘You can accessorise with contact lenses this Halloween by doing this safely with Specsavers’ range of coloured contact lenses, with the option of four colours.

‘You need a valid prescription to buy online or in-store however you can also book a Specsavers appointment with a contact lens specialist to get the best advice.’